Feb 14 - Chemistry 'magic' show demonstrates that science is fun Feb. 25

A crack team of "mad scientists" will demonstrate all that is fun and fascinating about chemistry in a free public lecture at Douglas College next week.

Science in Action, a program from Simon Fraser University, will conjure up smells, booms, bangs, smoke and fire, make solutions change colour as if by magic, and more, in a show that promises to be "scientacular."

Stinks and Bangs takes place Friday, February 25, 1-2pm, in the Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre at Douglas College.

"The purpose of the event is to get students excited about chemistry," says Hanifa Jalali, Lab Supervisor in the Chemistry Department at Douglas. "We want them to know that chemistry is not just scary concepts - it can be a lot of fun."

Jalali says the event, though geared toward middle and high school students, will be entertaining for all age groups.

"This is a good opportunity for all students to watch an amazing show. We encourage them to think about the underlying science, and try to explain how a chemist can turn water into wine. The truth is that you don't really need to have a science background to have fun with science."

Science in Action is a program organized by the Chemistry Department at Simon Fraser University. Offering a one-day science immersion to high school students, the program focuses on students who may have limited exposure to science, and encourages young women to study sciences.

"This group is very talented," Jalali says. "Their program is exciting and dynamic - things are always happening and changing."

The lecture is the fourth in a four-part series at Douglas College and part of the provincial government's Year of Science, a program to raise awareness among British Columbians of the importance of science to our health and well being, our lifestyle and our economic future.

"Making science fun is essential if we want to encourage young people to develop a passion for science," says Ida Chong, Minister of Science and Universities. "And when the time comes to consider their career options, they will discover that an education in science opens the doors to many well-paying and fulfilling opportunities."

Stinks and Bangs takes place Friday, February 25, 1-2pm, in the Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre at Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave., New Westminster. Free admission.